Routines+Care

Daily Routines. Individual Attention.

Care of children in our center is handled with respect and love. The goal, over time, is for children to participate in their own care, to be able to communicate needs, self-sooth, increase confidence and develop
empathy for others around them. Our staff feeds children when they are hungry, diapers them when they are wet and soothes to sleep when they are tired. The physical and emotional needs of the children always
come first – and teachers work closely with families to develop diapering, feeding and sleeping plans that are comfortable, familiar and consistent.

Explorations are what make our center different, exciting and inspiring. We know that children learn the most by interacting with people and materials. We encourage daily explorations by relying knowledge of
child development and the interests of the children individually and as a group.

Explorations

Explorations include work with many different types of materials and often include:

Sensory materials such as water, sand, light and shadow.

Playing and listening to music.

Movement experiences to soothe, challenge and delight, including opportunities to use hands.

Daily Routines & Individual Attention

Our daily routines establish a pleasant sense of calm, predictable order and sociability that support each
child’s care and development. The primary elements of this approach include the following.

Meal and Snack Times

Children exhibit a wide range of developmental needs as well as social skills when eating. From the infant drinking milk in a caregiver’s arms to the toddler feeding themselves at a communal table, all of our
students connect to others through experiences with food.

Try new foods and drinks under parent approval and permission

Name foods and objects

Learn the names of classmates

Point to or ask for what they want – a significant step in gaining self-help skills

Rest

Depending on the age of the child and the needs of the group, we make napping plans for each student and the class. This may involve napping at will for our youngest children or trying to encourage one nap a day
for our toddlers.

We set the stage for rest by providing:

A cozy sleeping space with cribs and mats.

A peaceful atmosphere and the company of a primary caretaking adult.

Diapering and Potty Training

Diapering is a time for one-on-one communication between teacher and child. We use this time to share an intimate moment together, give each child the opportunity to signal their needs, begin self care, and to
promote trust and a deeper bond.

Once toddlers show signs of being ready to begin potty training, they will be invited to initiate use of the toilet. Teachers ensure potty training is positive by also working with parents to develop a plan that is stress
free for everyone and supports each child’s growing independence.

A Daily Snapshot

8 am: Arrival and Greeting

Families and children are welcomed and staff members are available to answer questions and take messages to teachers.

Morning Explorations

Infants and toddlers enjoy a variety of experiences as teachers and children interact in the classroom or in our outdoor play area.

From Noon to 1:30 pm: Lunch and Rest

Infants receive personal care during all meals and snack times. As it becomes appropriate, toddlers come together to eat lunch at the table. Diapers are changed and the children begin the transition to
nap time. Each child follows their own nap schedule and sleep as long as they need, eventually moving all children to a similar nap schedule.

1:30 pm to 5:30 pm: Afternoon Snack and Explorations

Children finish napping and gently reenter the flow of the active classroom, continuing the explorations of the morning, gathering for music, stories, outdoor time, snacks and reconnecting with
families as we approach pick up time.

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Reuniting with Parents and Caregivers

As parents arrive, each child is ready to leave. Teachers are available to share information about the day, answer questions and say goodbye to the children.